Dental Erosion
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Dental erosion due to alcohol consumption. |
Definition:
It is a partially dissolution of your teeth structure
especially enamel part of them. This action exposes the dentin layer which is
very sensitive to multiple stimulants especially hot and cold. It is usually
caused by acids either acidic medications or beverages, acid reflux or
excessive vomiting.
Occurrence of dental erosion is at any age especially with
old aged people when they have dry mouth disease (Xerostomia), in which there
is a very little saliva to wash out and neutralize acids.
Symptoms and complications of teeth erosion:
- Erosion gives teeth chalky, yellowish and pitted appearance.
- Teeth become very sensitive to hot, cold, acidic and sugary foods or drinks.
- Teeth will have sharp edges due to action of erosion.
After occurrence of teeth erosion (Loss of mineralized teeth
structure), teeth become more liable to cavitation then decay (Caries). And if
this decay is not treated, teeth loss may occur.
Causes of dental erosion:
Dental erosion can be caused by 2 major causes (External
and Internal).
External causes:
These include food, medications, drinks and environmental
acidity exposure.
Food and drinks can cause dental erosion:
- Citrus juices.
- Sports drinks.
- Soda.
- Citrus based and sour food.
- Fruit canned in syrup.
- Jams.
- Chocolate and sweets.
- Sauces.
- Flavoured milk.
- Biscuits and cakes.
- Wine and vinegar.
- Food and drinks which contain too much sugars.
There are medications and health products can also cause dental erosion and these include:
- Mouth washes.
- Liquids containing iron supplements.
- Vitamin C tablets (Chewable type).
- Cough inhibitors.
- Drugs that cause stomach irritation.
- Long period of chemotherapy.
Also people with special jobs like wine professionals and workers who work at batteries and fertilizers industry are more liable to dental erosion. And this occurs due to the exposure to airborne industrial acids for long time.
Internal causes:
Dental erosion may occur due to these symptoms or health conditions:
- Repeated vomiting.
- Alcohol addiction.
- Saliva reduction (Dry mouth disease).
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Bulimia.
Treatment of dental erosion:
Loss of teeth structure can occur if dental erosion is untreated. Dentist should stop the causes of dental erosion first either external or internal and use remineralizing agent like fluoride varnish to stop any sensitivity then choose one of these treatment options according to your case need:
- Fillings.
- Dental veneers.
- Crowns.
- Root canal treatment then crown restoration.
- Tooth extraction.
Prevention of dental erosion:
Everyone can prevent occurrence of dental erosion by following of these instructions:
- Reduce drinking of fruit juice, soft drinks, sports drinks and sugary drinks.
- Reduce acidic food and drinks as much as possible.
- Drink water regularly in between each meal, after eating acidic food and after drinking tea, coffee or acidic drinks.
- Increase your saliva after eating acidic food by chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes to wash your teeth from acidic content of food.
- Rinse your mouth regularly with water after vomiting.
- Avoid drinking of alcohol and also avoid eating for 3 hours before bedtime to reduce occurrence of acidic reflux.
- Brush your teeth after half an hour from consuming acid drinks or occurrence of vomiting.
- Use fluoride toothpaste and soft tooth brush.
- Visit your dentist regularly every 6 months for check-ups.